Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$327.70
Rating 4.65 4.88

Our Thoughts

When it comes to selecting a car seat for our precious kids, safety, durability, and ease of use top our concerns. Looking at the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1, we get a vivid picture of the pros and cons of each seat. Let's delve into details for these two popular choices.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight squarely prioritizes safety, boasting a superior side impact protection system and a sturdy steel frame. Parents are sure to appreciate its ClickTight installation system, which makes securing the car seat in the vehicle straightforward and quick. Its fabric is free from flame-retardant chemicals, a big plus for health-conscious parents. Furthermore, it can accommodate infants in a rear-facing position up to 40lbs in weight and becomes a forward-facing seat with a maximum weight limit of 65lbs. Despite these stellar features, it may not be the best fit for larger children, something to bear in mind for growing kids.

On the other hand, the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 offers a great deal of versatility, aiming to cater to your child's needs as they grow. This seat transitions from a rear-facing, forward-facing, to a high-back booster and a backless booster, potentially saving parents the hassle and cost of buying multiple car seats over the years. This seat outshines many others with its ability to accommodate children weighing up to 110lbs in booster mode. However, it falls short in some key areas, particularly in installation where some parents have found the latch/hook system to be more frustrating compared to Britax's ClickTight system. It's also noticeably bulkier, which may pose a challenge for small cars or for fitting multiple seats. Lastly, its lack of adequate recline for newborns and infants stands as a drawback.

In terms of FAA-approved travel configurations, both car seats are approved for forward and rear-facing modes. However, for the Grows4Me 4-in-1, the high back booster and backless booster modes are not approved for air travel.

Both promising options, the decision here might come down to what you value most for your particular situation. For superior safety feature and ease of installation, Britax Marathon ClickTight clearly stands out. However, if you're looking for a car seat that adjusts and grows with your child, while offering a higher maximum weight limit (particularly for the booster seat mode), then Graco's Grows4Me 4-in-1 may be the ideal choice for you. The overall longevity and affordability it offers make it a strong rival in this comparison.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight Grows4Me 4-in-1
Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Brand Britax Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.88
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $195.99 - $279.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$327.70
Value

Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point.

Offers 4-in-1 functionality, reducing the need for multiple purchases.

Safety

Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety.

Steel-reinforced frame adds robustness and security.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

Versatile 4-in-1 design with a 6-position recline and adjustable harness system.

Installation

The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable.

Installation process can be frustrating without the InRight Latch system.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

The seat has a removable cover, but no specific features that make it easier than average to clean.

Size

While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats.

The seat is somewhat bulky, which may be challenging for smaller cars.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 110 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Width 18.5 inches 21.5 inches
Height 23.0 inches 24.0 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 22.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Model Year 2021 2019
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1